Campbell, Tracy, 1962-
New Haven : Yale University Press, [2013]
Added to CLICnet on 04/16/2014

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Part of the series Icons of America;Icons of America.
Notes:

• Includes bibliographical references (pages 175-209) and index.
• Introduction: Saarinen’s cathedral — The New York of the West — Getting things done — The St. Louis municipal parking lot — A peculiarly happy form — The architect — The laughingstock of the world — Got it made — Expendable culture — Symbol and symptom.
• Rising to a triumphant height of 630 feet, the Gateway Arch in St. Louis is a revered monument to America’s western expansion. Envisioned in 1947 but not completed until the mid-1960s, the arch today attracts millions of tourists annually and is one of the world’s most widely recognised structures. By weaving together social, political and cultural history, historian Tracy Campbell uncovers the complicated and troubling history of the beloved structure. This compelling book explores how a medley of players with widely divergent motivations (civic pride, ambition, greed, among others) brought the Gateway Arch to fruition, but at a price the city continues to pay. Campbell dispels long-held myths and casts a provocative new light on the true origins and meaning of the Gateway Arch. He shows that the monument was the scheme of shrewd city leaders who sought to renew downtown St. Louis and were willing to steal an election, destroy historic buildings, and drive out local people and businesses to achieve their goal.

Subjects:

• Gateway Arch (Saint Louis, Mo.) — History.
• Saint Louis (Mo.) — Buildings, structures, etc.
• Arches — Missouri — Saint Louis — Design and construction.

Requested by Anderson, K